Lionel 6-65530 unload control button

There have been several OGR threads on replacing (vs. maintaining) the controller using sealed switches.  Most popular approach seems to be a center-off DPDT momentary toggle switch as illustrated in this OGR thread.  Or the DPDT functionality can be "separated" into two independent momentary pushbuttons like the original controller.  I don't recall if anyone has found/identified a modern sealed momentary red pushbutton that drops into the original controller housing if it's important to maintain the original look-and-feel.

As an aside, I recall opening up the lever controller for the MTH UCS fully expecting to find a similar "stacked-leaf" contraption.  After all, the controller has that last-century "bakelite" appearance!  Imagine my surprise in discovering a modern sealed DPDT momentary switch.

Thank you, very helpful.

How about using the 90-C Control buttons in some combination?

The Lionel 90C controller is a 2-terminal momentary push-button single-pole switch that closes a single circuit.

Each button in the UCS controller closes two circuits - as can be decoded by studying what I call the "stacked-leaf" design in this widely available diagram:

Hence the previous link to a dual-pole switch to exactly emulate the connections made by the original 2-button controller.

But all is not lost.  Take a look at this OGR thread.  You have to slog thru the fine-print but for the vast majority of applications you should be able to perform the uncoupling function with a single-pole switch and, separately, perform the unloading function with a single-pole switch.

Yes! As the beneficiary of Stan's advice and assistance as documented in the linked thread above, I tossed my old Lionel UCS controller boxes (ugh) in favor of a variety of switches I picked up. Call me a happy camper.

@johnstrains posted:

I tossed my old Lionel UCS controller boxes...

They go for ridiculous amounts on eBay.  I hope you didn't really toss them.